BESLER, Basilius.Iris Pratensis Maior. Visla Matisnalis Flore Purpures. Viola Matisnalis Flore Albo. Eichstatt: , c.1613. Copperplate engraving. Later hand-colour. Plate mark size: 485 × 400 mm. Mounted size: 730 x 640 mm. Good condition. Paper toned. A wonderful life size botanical print from Basilius Besler's epic work; the 'Hortus Eystettensis'. Besler was a Nuremberg apothecary, commissioned in 1600 by Konrad, the Bishop Prince of Eichstatt, to engrave the contents of his extensive gardens. The resulting 374 plates (illustrating more than a thousand flowers), were arranged according to the yearly seasons. When the book was first published in 1613, it was the largest book ever printed, and the scarce, coloured versions of the prints sold for ten times the price of those sold in black and white. Besler worked on the drawings for almost sixteen years, supervising a team of at least six engravers. The impressive size and scope of these elaborately produced copper engravings certainly make the Hortus Eystettensis one of the most ambitious and stunning botanical publications in the entire history of botanical illustration.

Ramusio, Giovanni BattistaDELLE NAVIGATIONI ET VIAGGI RACCOLTE DA M. GIO. BATTISTA RAMUSIO, IN TRE VOLUMI DIVISE Venice: Appresso i Giunti, 1613. Three volumes. Ten folding or double-page maps and plans (three engraved, seven woodcut), woodcut maps and illustrations within the text. Folio. 20th-century vellum, spine with raised bands, red and brown morocco labels. Two text leaves in third volume (a4 and a5) supplied from slightly shorter copy. Minor worming in upper gutter margin of first volume affecting approximately twenty leaves, without loss of text. Third volume with paper restoration in the lower margin affecting approximately forty leaves (without loss of text). Minor paper loss at lower margin of approximately twenty leaves in third volume (not affecting text). Bottom edges of first and second volumes with early manuscript titling. Overall very good. As is often the case with sets of Ramusio, the present set is a mix of issues: the sixth edition of the first volume, the third edition of the second volume and the rare first edition of the third volume. Ramusio's effort is the first general compilation of narratives of the European exploration of the rest of the world. From John Locke to Henry Harrisse, scholars and bibliographers have praised Ramusio for his choice of material, his care and accuracy in presenting it, and his assiduous sorting of the evidence of the new discoveries. The first editions or first available editions of many of the most important voyages are contained herein, and the set is basic to any collection of voyages. The first volume is devoted to Africa and the East, especially the narratives of early Portuguese exploration, covering De Gama, Alvarez, Barros, and Pigafetta. The maps in the first volume are some of the first engraved maps to appear in any travel book. The second volume describes the journeys of Marco Polo, Varthema's eastern travels, and Persian voyages. Present here is the first edition of the second volume to include an account of Sebastian Cabot. The third volume is entirely devoted to America, and includes accounts of Peter Martyr, Oviedo (whose book XX occupies almost half the volume), Cortès, Cabeça de Vaca, Guzman, Ulloa, Coronado, Fray Marcos di Niza, Xerez, Verrazano, and Cartier. The final section on New France is particularly notable, being an early general publication of Cartier's Canadian experiences. Ramusio's maps are particularly important. The western hemisphere map in the third volume, the product of a collaboration between Ramusio and Oviedo, is the most complete one of its time, even showing Japan as more than one island. The Newfoundland and Hochelaga maps, resulting from Cartier's explorations, are the best early Canadian maps, with the latter being the first printed plan of a town in North America. ADAMS R-139. BORBA DE MORAES, pp.698-99. CHURCH 99. COX p.28. EUROPEAN AMERICANA 613/108, 583/59, 556/38. SABIN 67735, 67738, 67740. STREIT I:337, I:143, I:75.

Martyr, PeterLoci Commvnes D. Petri Martyris Vermilii Florentini sacrarum literarum jn schola Tigurina Professoris:Ex variis ipsius authoris scriptis, in unum librum collecti, & in quatuor Classes distributi. Quàm multa ad priorem editionem accesserint, ex admonitione quam prima pagina exhibebit, facile Lector deprehendet. Heidelberg, Johannes Lacellot 1613. (46) 1147 (49) p. Contemporary folding Vellum, Folio (The tekst block is browned throughout. The best known work of Peter Martyr, or Peter Martyr Vermigli 1499-1562. The work was compiled after Martyrs death by Robert Masson and first published 1576. The Loci Communes presents a systematic theology which lays out the Christian doctrine. The work was of great influence and played a vital role in both the Swiss and English Reformation.).

Frisius, Simon Wijnants (1580-1629) after Bril, Matthias (1550-1584)Landscape with tree in the center [Topographia variarum regionum; Serie title] Landscape with tree in the center, a bridge on the right with two figures on it, two further figures on the bottom left, one with a walking stick, a small church in the left background. Lettered on the bottom:'Math. bril invent. / Hh excudit.' (Hh monogrammed); within margin date:'1613'; on the bottom right '23' Etching on paper with margins; platemark: 109 x 147 mm, total: 132 x 173 mm; state between I and II as described in New Hollstein 125; Burchard 9 OMP Fr (8)

MAXWELL JamesA Monument of Remembrance erected in Albion in honor of the magnificent departure from Britannie and honourable receiving in Germany namely at Heidelberge of the two most Nobles Princes Fredericke First Prince of the Imperiall bloud sprung from glorious Charlemaigne Count Palatine of Rhine Duke of Bavier Elector and Arch sewer of the holy Romane Empire and Knight of the Renowned order of the Garter and Elizabeth Infanta of Albion Princesse Palatine and Dutchesse of Bavier the onely Daughter of our most gratious Soveraigne Lord Charles James and of his most Noble and vertuous Wife Queene Anne Both of them being almost in one and the same degree of lineall descent from 25 Emperours of the East and West of Romanes Greekes and Germans and from 30 Kings of divers countries By Iames Maxwell The Britwell Court copy of a rare prophetic poem First Edition. Small 4to. [Text: 190 x 145 mm]. [56]pp. Text lightly browned and with a light dampstain near the end; closed tear [40mm long] from the inner margin of E1-4 neatly repaired. Engraved portrait of Frederick V as King of Bohemia by Crispin vander Passe inserted as a frontispiece. Early 19th-Century plain calf, spine lettered in gilt (joints slightly rubbed). Early 20th-Century dark-blue morocco pull-off box by Riviere. London: by Nicholas Okes, for Henry Bell,

Peter Van der Borcht I (1535-1608)Bible Illustration: Christ brought in front of the Judges Signed plate with two representations of Christ brought in front of the Judges. Two representations within the same plate. Signed on the bottom:'P.V.BORCHT' and numbered on the right: '61'. Not from the edition of 1613 Etching on paper, with small margins; platemark: 102 x 223 mm, total: 127 x 225 mm; Hollstein 1-100; W 1; Le Bl 9-108

Guicciardini, Lodovico (1521-1589)Deventer Copperplate engraving of the Dutch city of Deventer, as seen from above. With explanatory title above the city and written in a cartouche on the bottom left of the plate: 'LIBERAE ET HANSE- ATICAE VRBIS DAVE TRIE SIS DELINEATI'. The city crest of Zwolle is depicted in the top right corner and a blank crest in the left corner. ca. 1613. Overall size: 29,1 x 38,8 cm; plate size: 24 x 32 cm. Very good state. Some age related discolouration. Handlaid paper with a fold in the middle. This print originates from 'Lodovico Guicciardini, Descrittione di tutti i Paesi bassi (...), Amsterdam, Blaeu, 1613'. This was an influential account of the history and the arts of the Low Countries, accompanied by city maps by various leading engravers. Deys 2001.

ANDREINI, Giovanni Battista (1578-1650)L'Adamo, sacra rapresentatione Milan: Geronimo Bordoni, 1613. 4to (221 x 165 mm). Engraved title, portrait, one engraved head-piece, one full-page and 38 half-page engravings by Cesare Bassano after Carlo Antonio Procaccini. 17th-century mottled calf, gilt spine. Short repaired tear in title and portrait, portrait slightly short, generally a very attractive copy in a near-contemporary binding. Provenance: purchased from E.P. Goldschmidt, 1962. FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, containing the portrait found only in some copies. Italian literary scholars have speculated that Andreini's play influenced Milton during his trip to Italy, and is therefore a primary source for Paradise Lost. "The action is grandiose. With the Biblical story which forms the groundwork of the picture are interwoven many extravagances and that spectacular display which so pleased the public" (Joseph Spencer Kennard, The Italian Theatre). The performance included fantastical sets, which are captured in Bassano's engravings after the designs of Carlo Antonio Procaccini. Vinciana called this 5-act play "the most significant work of theatre in the seventeenth century." The son of Francesco and Isabella Andreini, the most famous actors of their age, Andreini also acted, using the name Leylio in his comedic performances in Paris. BL 17th-Century Italian I, p. 32; Brunet I:269; Cicognara 1423; Sander 6381; Vinciana 4125. From the Collection of Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow.

Benzoni, Girolamo (text); Theodor de Bry (Engraving)Americae ||Das fünfte Buch/ ||Vol schöner unerhörter Historien/ auß ||dem andern theil Ioannis Benzonis von Mey- ||andt gezogen: Von der Spanier Wüten/ beyd ||wider jhre Knecht die Nigriten/ und auch die arme In- ||dianer: wie die Spanier von den Frantzösischen Meer- ||raubern zum offtermal angriffen unnd geplündert wor- ||den/ denn auch/ wie sie erstlich das neuwe Spanien ||erfunden haben .|| Sampt kurtzer und nützlicher erklerung der Historien/|| bey jedem Capitel.|| Auch einer schönen Landtaffel/ deß neuwen Spa-||nien in America.|| Alles mit schönen und kunstreiche Kupfferstücken und de-||ren angehenckten erklärungen/ an tag geben/ durch Die-||terich von Bry/ Bürger in Franckfurt am Mayn. Johann Theodor (Dietrich) de Bry, Frankfurt am Main 1613 - Small Folio. 115, folded map, 2nd title page, xxii plates. Rebound in brown leather with raised bands on spine, housed in burgundy clamshell box with gilt decorative ruling and lettering on black leather label of cover. Full page copperplate engraving framing printed title page lettering with MDXCV in handwriting underneath and "Cum privilegio S.C. Maiestatis" printed at foot of the title page proper. Engraving of Christopher Columbus as headpiece on page three (6 x 5"). Decorative woodcut initials, historiated head and endpieces. Double page of engraved map "Hispaniae Novae Sive Magnae, Recens Et Vera Descriptio 1595" (Burden 79) bound in between pages four and five. 2nd title page with historiated headpiece and vignette printed by Erasmus Kempffer, Frankfurt am Mayn, 1613, followed by twenty two copperplate engravings (6 1/4 x 7 3/4") with headlines, decorative initials and descriptive text.The stories describing encounters with indigenous peoples are illustrated on the XXII plates at rear, including a revolt of the population of the island S. Dominicae against the Spanish in 1512, the segregation of African slaves on the island Hispaniola, the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, to an area called Guinea, punishment of the slaves for lack of productivity in the mines, skirmishes with French pirates in 1543, pillaging of the city of Chioera on Cuba by the French in 1556, commerce with indigenous people, American Indians called Caribes on the warpath against the Spanish, detailing their warfare practices and beliefs, handling of a famine by the Spaniard Didacus Gottierez in 1540, Ferdinandus Sotto's confrontation with native Americans in Florida, Benzonis encounters in Nicaragua and others.In this history of the New World "Americae pars quinta" by Girolamo Benzoni "De Bry relied on the earlier German translation by Nicolaus Höniger (Geneva 1582-83), with elaboration by Urbain Chauveton. Dedicated to Landgrave Maurice of Hesse-Kassel." (Michiel van Groesen, The Representation of the Overseas World in the De Bry Collection of Voyages (1590-1634), page 397).When comparing our 2nd edition (1613) with digital copies of the 1st edition (1595) at the Bayrische Staatsbibliothek (BSB) and the 2nd edition (1613) at Brown University we have noticed following differences: our 2nd edition begins with title page and "Vorrede" following the 1595 first edition at BSB. Thereafter our copy is identical to the 1613 edition at Brown University. The BSB copy has a 2nd identical 1595 title page inserted after page 115, preceding the XXII engravings, whereas our copy features the 1613 title page printed by Erasmus Kempffer with Johann Dietherich de Bry credited as publisher. The undated illustrated title pages of the 1595 and 1613 editions can be distinguished by variant line breaks, i.e. the word Indianer is separated and printed "In-" at the end of line six and "dianer: wie" starting line 7 in the 1595 edition. In the 1613 edition "dianer: wie" is moved to the end of the sixth line that way bringing together the word Indianer. In addition, in our copy the layout compared to the BSB copy shows variant line breaks throughout as well as differnet designs for initials, head and endpieces following the "Vorrede" ending on page 6. The copy at the Brown University Library ("This work has been identified as the sole issue of the second edition of part five of the German edition of the Great voyages by Church") is identical to our copy, including misnumbered pages, except for the placement of the map and the first title page plus "Vorrede" as described above.Text in German. Map is missing app. one to 1 to 1.5" at left, right and bottom border, missing scales and lettering at edges, scale, lettering and lower part of the illustrations at bottom. It is tipped in on a tab between pages 4 and 5 with quarter inch covering text on page 4 at right, page 5 at left margin. Page 57 misnumbered 115, 76 misnumbered 67. Title page and map reinforced on [Attributes: First Edition; Hard Cover]

ANDREINI, Giovanni Battista (1578-1650)L'Adamo, sacra rapresentatione Milan: Geronimo Bordoni, 1613. From the Collection of Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow. 4to (221 x 165 mm). Engraved title, portrait, one engraved head-piece, one full-page and 38 half-page engravings by Cesare Bassano after Carlo Antonio Procaccini. 17th-century mottled calf, gilt spine. Short repaired tear in title and portrait, portrait slightly short, generally a very attractive copy in a near-contemporary binding. Provenance: purchased from E.P. Goldschmidt, 1962. FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, containing the portrait found only in some copies. Italian literary scholars have speculated that Andreini's play influenced Milton during his trip to Italy, and is therefore a primary source for Paradise Lost. "The action is grandiose. With the Biblical story which forms the groundwork of the picture are interwoven many extravagances and that spectacular display which so pleased the public" (Joseph Spencer Kennard, The Italian Theatre). The performance included fantastical sets, which are captured in Bassano's engravings after the designs of Carlo Antonio Procaccini. Vinciana called this 5-act play "the most significant work of theatre in the seventeenth century." The son of Francesco and Isabella Andreini, the most famous actors of their age, Andreini also acted, using the name Leylio in his comedic performances in Paris. BL 17th-Century Italian I, p. 32; Brunet I:269; Cicognara 1423; Sander 6381; Vinciana 4125.

Basil BeslerAntora (Monk's Hood) Eichstatt: Hortus Eystettensis 1613 - Sheet Dimension: 22.5 x 17.5 in. Frame Dimension: 29.5 x 25 in. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. Basil Besler&#146;s great botanical work is a landmark of botanical documentation and pre-Linnaean classification, as well as one of the most splendidly stylized and aesthetically powerful botanical works ever produced. Besler was an apothecary and botanist who managed the gardens of Bishop Johann Conrad in Eichstatt, Germany. The Bishop&#146;s remarkable garden was one of the most extensive in Europe, containing a huge variety of European shrubs and flowering plants, as well as exotic specimens from Asia and the Americas. Besler used this encyclopedic resource as the basis for the Hortus Eystettensis, in which he studied and depicted over a thousand flowers, representing 667 species in all. With the Bishop&#146;s patronage, he worked both as artist and publisher, directing a team of ten artists and engravers in creating 367 plates over 16 years.

[RICKMAN, John].Troisieme voyage de Cook, ou Journal d'une expédition faite dans la Mer Pacifique du Sud & du Nord en 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, & 1780. Seconde edition.Paris, Belin, 1783. 8vo. With folding engraved plate, illustrating the death of Captain James Cook, and folding engraved chart, depicting the route of Cook's expedition. Later half calf. Beddie 1613; Forbes 55; this edition not in Hill; Kroepelien. Second (actually the third) French edition of a rare work by Rickman, Second Lieutenant on board the Discovery , published anonymously, to avoid legal action. Rickman had managed to keep his journal, even though everything was taken into possession and sealed. His account is an important supplement to the official publication, and it is complete with the chart, which Forbes is missing in all of his three copies examined.Some browning and soiling, otherwise in very good condition.

'de Medici, MarieMarie de Medici Signed Document Letter signed by Marie 'de Medici. Signed "Marie," dated September 12, 1613. Letter to M. de Bouthwoud, the president of the Parliament at Rouen, ordering him in the name of her son to convene and supervise the convocation of the Parliament. At this time Marie de Medici was regent for her son, Louis XIII, who was nine years old. A rare and desirable piece from the influential Medici, featuring a large, prominent signature. In excellent condition with only light toning and wear. The document measures 8.25 inches by 12.5 inches. Double matted and framed opposite a photograph, the entire piece measures 20 inches by 18.75 inches. Marie de' Medici was Queen of France as the second wife of King Henry IV of France, of the House of Bourbon. She was a member of the wealthy and powerful House of Medici. Following the assassination of her husband in 1610, which occurred the day after her coronation, she acted as regent for her son, King Louis XIII of France, until he came of age. She was noted for her ceaseless political intrigues at the French court and extensive artistic patronage.

ERPENIUS (VAN ERPE), Thomas.Rudimenta linguae Arabicae.Leiden, Boneventura and Abraham Elzevier, 1628. Small 8vo (15 x 9.5 cm). With title-page printed in red and black. 19th-century green sheepskin. Rahir 263; Schnurrer 60; Smitskamp 69b; STCN (3 copies); Willems 295. The rare second, corrected edition of Erpenius's influential Arabic grammar, which remained popular until well into the 19th century. Erpenius, one of the most distinguished orientalists of his day, published his famous Grammatica Arabica in 1613, followed in 1620 by the Rudimenta linguae Arabicae , a slightly abridged version of the Grammatica . It is dedicated to the Maronites Johannes Hesronita and Gabriel Sionita, the latter of whom would later edit the 1638-edition of the Rudimenta . It includes the Arabic text with Latin transcriptions of chapter 64 of the Quran.Annotation on title-page: "Collegii Remensis / Societatis Jesu / Catalogo Inscriptur". Fine copy.

[RICKMAN, John].Troisieme voyage de Cook, ou Journal d'une expédition faite dans la Mer Pacifique du Sud & du Nord en 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, & 1780. Seconde edition.Paris, Belin, 1783. 8vo. With folding engraved plate, illustrating the death of Captain James Cook, and folding engraved chart, depicting the route of Cook's expedition. Later half calf. Beddie 1613; Forbes 55; this edition not in Hill; Kroepelien. Second (actually the third) French edition of a rare work by Rickman, Second Lieutenant on board the Discovery, published anonymously, to avoid legal action. Rickman had managed to keep his journal, even though everything was taken into possession and sealed. His account is an important supplement to the official publication, and it is complete with the chart, which Forbes is missing in all of his three copies examined.Some browning and soiling, otherwise in very good condition.

MENNENS, FransDeliciae Equestrium Sive Militarium Ordinum, et Eorundem Origines, Statuta, Symbola et Insignia, Iconibus additis Genuineis. Hac Editione, Multorum Ordinum, & Quot Quot Extitere, Accessione Locupletata, Serieq Temporum Distributa. Apud Joannem Kinckium, Sub Monocerote, Coloniae Agrippinae, [i.e. Cologne] 1613 - [16], 764pp, [i.e. 264pp], [8, including final blank R8]. With an additional 4pp chronological index in manuscript inserted at end. Vignette engraving to title, several woodcut head and tail pieces, decorated initials. Illustrated throughout with the arms of the chivalric orders discussed. Contemporary vellum, yapp edges, titled in manuscript to spine. Lacks ties. Light marking to binding. Occasional staining and tears to margins, one of which just touching running-title to *5, without loss. Frans Mennens (1582-1635), Flemish clergyman and heraldic writer. The first edition of his first work, later abridged and published as Militarium Ordinum Origines (Cologne, 1623). A clergyman by training, Mennens quotes from Albert Krantz, William Camden, William of Tyre, Froissart, Matthew of Paris and Joinville amongst a variety of other sources in this extensive history of Catholic military orders. Predominantly concerned with orders based within Continental Europe, several greater and lesser orders based in and around the Holy Land (Templars, Hospitallars, Order of the Holy Sepulchre), India, Ethiopia and other Crusader targets are included. Graesse, IV, p.490. Size: Small 8vo. [Attributes: First Edition]